Marcelo Bielsa is going to court and intends to seek almost £17 million in damages from his former club, Lille, according to French outlet L'Equipe.

The case is based on an unfair dismissal claim by Bielsa, who was sacked by the French club in December 2017, just a few months after he had been appointed.

The sum of €19 million is the amount that Bielsa would have bene paid had his contract been fulfilled, and he believes his dismissal was 'grossly unfair'.

The Argentine was first suspended by the club after a run of poor results which left Lille second from bottom with three wins from 13 in Ligue 1.

However, the suspension also coincided with a trip Bielsa took to South Africa in order to visit an ill friend. Lille suggest the trip was unauthorised and that was another factor in the suspension - and is likely that which Bielsa feels most aggrieved with.

Bielsa will represent himself in the case, which is likely to take place next year, as he wants to "give his side of the story personally".

The Verdict

Bielsa is a man who will stand by his belief and convictions. He has displayed that throughout his career, including his time at Leeds, so it is little surprise he is going to court to try and clear his name - Lille fans probably don't hold him in as high esteem as he feels he deserves.

For the Leeds manager it is likely not a case about money, as he doesn't come across that way at all. As he said he wants to give his side of the story and clarify any areas of doubts during his short-lived time in France.